I’m writing my first series. I’ve written six, no seven now, complete manuscripts, but I’ve never taken one of the stories further into another book. I’m quickly learning that it’s a tricky process. You have to give some info from the last book and you simply can’t have info dumps.

Boring.

Making the story a continuation of the last, yet one that can stand on its own, is challenging. Funny enough, I find myself wanting to end a sentence… er, funny. Here’s an example.

My stomach twisted into the knot it always did when I let myself think about that time. I’d moved past it—pretty much had to when I’d battled the Dweller for the return of my sister’s soul.

Problem is, I want to end that sentence with “in the last book” so badly, I’m thinking of just doing it then going back to take them out.

Kidding.

So yeah, this isn’t as easy as starting a book from scratch in some ways–but in others, it is. My world is already built. I know my characters better and don’t have to spend a fourth of the book getting to know them before going back to “fix” them in the first part of the story. And one of the best things is getting to delve deeper into the secondary characters. I have one that I fell in love with in DOTT. She’s actually getting a lot of action in this book–and no, you of the dirty minds, not that kind.

Okay, maybe a little of that kind. 😉

But seriously, I’m exploring her strengths in BOAA. I’m also tackling a very difficult, emotional realization in my main character. I’m excited about the psychological aspects of these two characters and their relationship. Ready to have all the plotting mapped out completely.

Not a pantser.

I used to be. I would just plop my butt down and type away and then the work I’d have to do in rewrites overwhelmed me. This works for lots of writers. Sometimes, I wish it did for me. But I’ve learned that when I map the story out, it doesn’t make me lose interest. In fact, it sparks more excitement than anything. I know what part comes next and I look forward to tackling the challenge of it.

Today, I’ve been writing about a city at night. I’m so far into the scene, I can feel the warm, midnight breeze, smell the slight tinge of zapped power lines. My uh, main character, had a little accident.

Graceful, she is not. <g>

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About Rinda Elliott

Writer.I love unusual stories and credit growing up in a family of curious life-lovers who moved all over the country. Books and movies full of fantasy, science fiction and romance kept us amused, especially in some of the stranger places. For years, I tried to separate my darker side with my humorous and romantic one. I published short fiction, but things really started happening when I gave in and mixed it up. When not lost in fiction, I love making wine, collecting music, gaming and spending time with my husband and two children.
I’m represented by Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Agency.

Did you feel any doubts about writing the sequel to the first book in the series? I mean, before getting representation/a deal? I’m curious because I’ve been in that situation – having a very clear idea of the sequel to my completed YA, but forcing myself to NOT write it because I’m trying to keep my options open re. publication. I mean, if nobody picks up TIW… what then? *sigh*

I’ve been trying to write my adult urban fantasy that’s about a third complete, but it’s not going anywhere…

Anyway, sorry this was long! I’d really appreciate your advice, or just knowing what decided you to stick with your series and write straight onto Book 2. Thanks! 🙂

It’s a hard decision to make. Seems kind of risky to invest in a second book when the first isn’t sold. I actually set it aside a couple of times to work on something else, but I really love the story and just “want” to do it. For sure, I will have three chapters and a synopsis done and polished in case I do get lucky with number one.

I just decided to believe the series will get picked up. I’m hoping one of the agents with it will either love it as is or decide they see enough promise in it to give pointers and a chance. 🙂

My CP had book one written and I believe was finished with the rough of book two–we both think that helped get her first book deal. But I know a LOT of authors who sold book deals for series with only one of them done and ideas on the others.

For that matter, I know authors who have sold book deals on the idea and a promise.

If you love your idea for the second book and want to write it, I truly believe that will come through in the story–making your series more appealing to agents and editors.

Thanks *so* much for taking the time to reply! I was thinking about Rachel Vincent, too… wondering how she went about this and how much of Book 2 was written before she got her deal.

Really appreciate this. I am definitely edging towards at least having a solid synopsis and those first 3 chapters written. Why not? I’ve just started a new full-time job (which is taking up a lot of energy and brain-space! *g*), so writing the more ‘unfamiliar’ adult project at the moment is more of a struggle.

Stray was finished and polished (6 times over, though it still needed lots of work post-sale) when I accepted my first contract. And Rogue was completed in rough draft form.

Since Rogue wasn’t polished yet, my agent asked me to polish up a few chapters and pound out a synopsis. I sent her four chapters and a seven page synopsis, if memory serves.

Do I think that helped me sell three books, rather than one? I don’t know. The original offer was for two books, and honestly, I think the fact that more than one publisher wanted it was more responsible for the three book thing.

Then again, lots of fantasy sells three books at a time.

So I’m not sure.

But what I am sure of is that time spent writing is never wasted.

Before my werecat books, I wrote two other books. In a series. I never even submitted either of them, but I don’t regret writing the sequel, because I learned a ton, as with any book.

So, if your sequel is begging to be written, I say: Write it. But then, I write whatever idea is driving me crazy at the time. 😉 So take any advice from me with a whole shaker of salt. 😉

That’s really grand. I am writting a series of six books, which is divided in two trilogies and I know that most people tell me write a stand alone damn it, be msart. I am just so scared that the first novel will be so bad that I will have to abandon the whole series no matter how much I revise, because I am new at it and the idea is simply not good enough. This is definitely helping me self esteem wise.

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Sisters of Fate Trilogy

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Current Release! FORECAST-Bk #2 Sisters of Fate Trilogy

Release date March 26, 2013

Release Date October 22, 2013!!!

Dweller’s First Review!

From Yummy Men and Kick Ass Chicks review blog.
"“Once in a while, I pick up a first book in a new series and, once finished, want to run around the streets of my town and shout “This book was just awesome! Everybody should read this!!” This happens to me once, maybe twice a year. Well guess what? It happened after I finished Dweller on the Threshold by Rinda Elliott. And not only did I want to run through my town telling everyone about it, I wanted to run down the highway and go to the nearest city! This is an excellent urban fantasy debut and I am very excited to tell you guys all about it."
The Full Review